The Need for Sustainable Energy

The study of artificial photosynthesis has been the subject of ongoing attention for many years now due to the need for sustainable energy resources. In natural photosynthesis a lightharvesting antenna system with a large optical cross-section (for example the LH2 complex) absorbs a photon that is funneled by energy transfer (ET) to the reaction centre [1-3]. Excellent candidates to mimic the natural antenna system are molecules that efficiently absorb light and are able to transfer the captured energy to other parts of the molecule. Molecules based on Zn and free-base porphyrins are examples of compounds that can be used as models for the LID complex [4]. 

Rising pollution levels and the need for sustainable energy have necessitated new ways of using certain materials to combat these problems. Focusing on this emerging discipline, Physical Chemistry of Materials describes the methods of syntheses and characterization of adsorbents, ion exchangers, ionic conductors, catalysts, and permeable materials. It tackles key issues in materials science and physical chemistry. 

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